Meaning and types of constituted authority

Constituted authority is another basis of the society which we can see in the modern word today. Do you know what constituted authority really means? Continue reading to find out all peculiarities about constituted authority.

Constituted Authority Meaning

Constituted authority can be described as the stated list of laws created to guide all the actions and rules in a society. This authority targets the smooth running of the society in the framework of laws and discipline. All members of the society acknowledge the idea of constituted authority and understand the responsibility for their actions!

Who can be named a Constituted authority?

A constituted authority can be chosen or appointed. The country citizens may take action in choosing their constituted authorities through voting. Nonetheless, the constituted authority may be a representative of a Royal Family who controls the government or just the elected president.

All constituted authorities get their power from the constitution. They are empowered by the constitution to exercise power and, at the same time, their powers are limited by the constitution. The most obvious examples of constituted authorities include presidents, police officers, governors, senators, etc.

Constituted authority and types

There are four basic types of constituted authority:

1. Organizational Constituted Authority;

2. Traditional Constituted Authority;

3. Religious Constituted Authority;

4. Government Constituted Authority.

Organizational Constituted Authority and its functions

The most prominent examples of these authorities are social gatherings, business leaders, leaders of political parties, clubs, organizations…

Functions

These leaders represent the interest of their members;

They provide decision and policies for their members;

They serve as the protectors of members interests;

Traditional Constituted Authority and its functions

All traditionally constituted authorities are based on customs and traditions of the people. Therefore, the leaders of the society are in charge of maintaining these traditional rules. The of traditional constituted authority in Nigeria can be Alaafin of Oyo, Oba of Benin, Emir of Kano…

Functions

Their main responsibility is to maintain order inside the traditional societies and help their local communities.

They are responsible for traditions inside their communities;

They serve as chief priests for every traditional ceremony;

They help the government to educate their people and provide the cooperation between traditional societies and the government.

Religious Constituted Authority and its functions

It's simply religious leaders. They are spiritual leaders of societies, communities or just group of people. They can be appointed or elected according to the ideas of their religion. The most obvious examples are Ifa Priests, Pastors, Imams…

Functions

They provide the spiritual support of their members;

They serve as interlink between God and people;

They help in educating people on many aspects of the government;

They provide the assistance in maintaining peace between the members of the society.

Government Constituted Authority and its functions

These authorities are elected or appointed according to the constitution to perform constitutional duties over the country, state or local government. Therefore, the governmental constituted authorities are the ministers, governors, presidents, etc.

Functions

Their main task is to provide help against any internal and external threats;

They make laws;

They execute laws;

They protect the rights of all individuals in the society;

They provide social needs to the society, like water, gas, electricity…

The government constituted authorities may also be subdivided to the next types of authorities:

Monarchical Authority. In this situation, Monarchy is a form of government where the family of rulers executes their laws. In this type of government, the main authorities can be King, Emperor, Prince or Queen.

Totalitarianism Authority. In this situation, the totalitarian system controls every aspect of life in the society.

Democracy Authority. It's the ultimate political authority, according to the rules of democracy, people choose their own leaders to create and execute power.

Oligarchy Authority. It's the authority of several families or clans who execute their power to the society. In this situation, there is also a lack of freedom.

There are also other types of Government Constituted Authorities which may exist in the world. Nonetheless, the four above mentioned types are the most popular..